Grenada - J'Ouvert Carnival | Distant Shores Sailing Newsletters

Grenada - J'Ouvert Carnival

Carnival called "Spicemas" is underway shortly after 3am as we are woken by music ashore. We are docked at Marina Port Louis right in the inner harbour at St Georges Grenada. Remarkably there wasn’t any difficulty getting a berth. It’s off season and the rates are good. We walk out of the front gate to a scene of revelry at 5am...
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Wear some old clothes as almost no one goes unscathed - however most people ask if you want some paint first... red anyone??
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Traditional outfit has horned helmets, and body smeared with motor oil or molasses (we saw mainly used motor oil).
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MANY thousands of revellers take part. Trucks with sound systems lead individual "bands" and you can join a band if you like. More on that later... This is the Carib beer "band"
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Many of Grenada’s "St Georges University" medical and veterinary students attend and participate.
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Silver and Gold body paint looks excellent!
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Paul decides to go for the gold!
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Hopefully this will wash off!
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The golden look! Veterinary student in the horns has added some red paint!
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Silver band!
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Passing revellers interact with the crowd and offer to add to the costume...
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Dancing revellers approach Paul to say hello!
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Shake your bungee!!
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"What a freindly island this is" says Paul
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Grenada has solved the question of what to do with used motor oil... the "Black and Greasy" Jab-Jab band approaches...
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10W40?
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If you do choose this option it is a good idea to put on some lard or baby oil as a barrier first!
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Mud is another traditional coating, and many carry chains!
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I have now "paid EC20 to get the band kit from the truck on the left. This included the attractive hat, a pot of paint, a shirt and a nice waterproof phone case! Fellow cruiser Lynn adds purple paint.
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Sheryl doesn’t escape ... Paul offers a "painty" hug and Jab-Jab offers additional motor oil from behind!
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Paints are latex and will wash off later...
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Motor oil will be much harder to get off...
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We discover the Chocolate band!!! Yes real chocolate made on the island. You can eat the stuff right out of the paint pots, or just pour it on!!
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700am we are back at the Marina. Marina security guards have set up a J’Ouvert cleaning station with some soap and a hose... How thoughtful!!!
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